For residents of Connecticut, summers can be pleasantly warm and sunny.
At the same time, hot days are usually enjoyed least inside a car.
Window tints are a great way to keep the heat out.
Window tints not only give your vehicle a swanky look but also have several other advantages.
While window tints have their advantages, you need to follow specific rules and regulations when getting them for your car.
All states have specific laws that determine the darkness or reflection of your window tints.
Visible Light Transmission (VLT) is the percentage of visible light that can be transmitted through the tint into the car.
This percentage varies from state to state.
Connecticut tint laws outline the limit for this.
Rules and regulations vary depending on whether you drive a sedan or an SUV.
Through this article, you will get all the information you need about Connecticut’s tint laws.
Benefits of Window Tinting
Window tints are not only great for your car but also for your passengers’ health.
A quality tint can keep your car cooler and reduce fuel consumption by decreasing AC usage.
It can protect your car’s interiors from fading caused by sunlight and block a large proportion of cancer-causing Ultraviolet rays.
Window Tint Laws for Sedans
For Sedan drivers, you need to obey the following guidelines of Connecticut’s window tint laws:
Tint Darkness
Visible Light Transmission (VLT) is the means used to determine tint darkness.
Non-reflective tint above the manufacturer’s AS-1 line is permissible for the windshield.
The front side windows should transmit at least 35% of light.
For the rear window, you can use a tint with any amount of darkness.
There is no upper limit here. However, the rear side windows should allow for at least 35% of light to pass through.
Tint Reflection
Tinting your windows can help decrease the glare.
However, Connecticut laws also regulate tint reflection limits.
You must follow these guidelines to remain compliant.
Your car’s front side windows cannot be more than 21% reflective.
With the rear side windows, a little more reflection is allowed. They cannot exceed 27% reflectivity.
Window Tint Laws for SUVs & Vans
For SUV or van drivers, the guidelines of the Connecticut window tint laws are as follows:
Tint Darkness
Windshields on SUVs and vans can legally have non-reflective tint above the manufacturer’s designated AS-1 line.
The front side windows should have a VLT measurement of at least 35%.
You can choose the tint darkness of your choice for the rear side windows as well as the rear window.
There are no restrictions on these as per the law.
Tint Reflection
There are no differences in the laws on tint reflection for sedans and those for SUVs and vans.
Your car’s front side windows must not reflect more than 21% of light.
The rear side windows must not reflect more than 27% of light.
Additional Guidelines
In addition to the regulations mentioned above, there are a few more guidelines that you also need to follow:
- Side Mirrors: in the case of a tinted rear window, you need to have side mirrors on both sides.
- Colored Tints: Connecticut has prohibited the use of colored window tints.
- Certification: it is the film manufacturer’s responsibility to certify what they produce. Please ensure that your dealer is using certified film.
- Stickers: as per Connecticut’s laws, you need to exhibit the sticker verifying your tint’s legality between the film and the glass on each of the windows.
Exemptions for Drivers with Medical Conditions
Connecticut window tint laws do allow exemptions on account of medical conditions.
However, this exemption is allowed for up to 20% VLT.
In effect, for medical conditions, the window tint can be between 32% to 20%.
Any individual seeking exemption on medical grounds has to fill in a form to receive a special permit.
Your request then needs to be validated by the Commercial Vehicle Safety Division.
For this, you will need to pass the tint measurement, which is done at either Wethersfield or Hamden inspection lanes.
If your car tint allows less than 20% of light, you will not be issued an exemption, and will be referred to the medical review unit.
You must carry this validated form in the vehicle at all times since no compliance stickers are provided.
Can You Get Pulled Over for Tint in Connecticut?
You can get pulled over for tint in Connecticut.
Window tints can be a great investment.
However, if you break Connecticut’s window tinting laws, there will be repercussions.
You can face fines for violating the law.
Law enforcement officers can pull you over if they believe your tint is darker than the permissible limit.
They can use a Visible Light Transmission meter to measure tint darkness.
For a first offense, you can be let off with a warning. However, a second offense will get you a ticket.
If you want to verify if your tints are legally compliant, you can visit the Wethersfield or Hamden inspection lanes to get them inspected.
You will receive a warning ticket if your vehicle fails the inspection.
Stay Compliant
Connecticut can get warm and sticky.
However, you do not have to bear the heat and the glare.
With window tints, you can stay cool and enjoy a comfortable ride.
Make sure that your tints are legally compliant to enjoy all the benefits of window tints, with none of the concerns.